| Hearthstone | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
| Release Date | |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2014 (PC, MacOS) April 16, 2014 (iPad) Apiril 14, 2015 (Mobile) More Details |
|
| Genre | |
| Strategy, Card | |
| Platforms | Price (MSRP) |
   |
Free-to-Play |
| Developer | Publisher |
| Blizzard Entertainment | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Number of Players | Age Rating |
| Online Competitive and Co-op Multiplayer | ESRB Teen |
| Time to Finish | Cross Platform Play |
| 10-15 Minutes (per Game) | Yes |
| Official Website | Official Website for Hearthstone |
Hearthstone Latest News
⚫︎ Hearthstone 33.4.2 Patch Notes (Official Hearthstone Website)
⚫︎ Hearthstone 33.4 Patch Notes (Official Hearthstone Website)
⚫︎ Crack Open Ancient Power with the Day of Rebirth Mini-Set (Official Hearthstone Website)
⚫︎ Hearthstone 33.2.2 Patch Notes (Official Hearthstone Website)
⚫︎ Fans are once again accusing Activision Blizzard of using AI-generated art in Diablo Immortal x Hearthstone event marketing materials (Eurogamer)
Hearthstone Overview
Hearthstone, originally titled Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, is a competitive, turn-based strategy card game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It was first released on March 11, 2014, for PC and MacOS, followed by an Apple iPad launch on April 16, 2014, and a mobile release for iOS and Android on April 14, 2015.
As an extension of the World of Warcraft universe, Hearthstone incorporates familiar characters and locations from the MMORPG. Players build customized decks, collect cards through packs, and engage in strategic one-on-one duels in both casual and ranked modes.
Players can also engage with each other across a variety of game modes, including Hearthstone's own unique take of the auto-battler formula, Battlegrounds. All of this is supplemented by seasonal content in the form of new expansions, mini-sets, and in-game events.
| Battle.Net |
App Store |
Android |
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| Price | Free-to-Play | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hearthstone Gameplay
Hearthstone's core gameplay is centered around cards and deck-building, allowing players to create unique decks and compete in one-on-one duels. By utilizing their cards, a hero’s distinct playstyle, and strategic decision-making, players aim to reduce their opponent’s health to zero to secure victory.
While this foundation remains consistent, different game modes introduce unique variations. Arena adapts the formula into a draft-based format, where players construct decks from randomly selected cards. Solo Adventure offers campaign-style battles against AI opponents, often incorporating expansion-specific mechanics. Battlegrounds, in contrast, introduces an auto-battle system, shifting the focus from direct deck-building to strategic minion selection and positioning.
Hearthstone Reviews
Blizzard's Next Moneymaker
Public reception of Hearthstone has evolved significantly over its decade-long history. Upon its release, critics and players praised its innovative format, accessible mechanics, and fresh take on the Warcraft universe. Over time, however, opinions have shifted, with increasing criticism in the 2020s regarding the game's balance, monetization, and overall direction. Each new expansion has sparked discussions about the game's sustainability and design choices.
When Hearthstone launched in 2014, it received strong reviews. Justin Davis of IGN highlighted its elegant simplicity
and stated that it remained enjoyable even after extensive play. His main criticism at the time was that there simply wasn’t enough content to explore. Similarly, Chris Thursten of PC Gamer gave the game a score of 80 out of 100, commending its pacing and engagement but noting issues with early-game balance and the progression system.
More recent discussions on platforms like Reddit and Metacritic reflect a shift in player sentiment. Many long-time players attribute the game's declining reception to power creep, the increasing prevalence of pay-to-win mechanics, and Blizzard’s monetization strategy, particularly with the introduction of the battle pass system. These concerns have led to widespread debate about the game’s future and Blizzard’s approach to its ongoing development.
Hearthstone Announcement Trailer
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Cinematic
Hearthstone Trivia
⚫︎ The cards Sacrificial Pact and Repentance, both designed to affect minions, were able to interact with the Lord Jaraxxus Warlock minion before it was reworked into a Hero Card in 2021. Repentance, which reduces a minion's health to 1, would apply its effect to Lord Jaraxxus, overriding its usual effect of setting the player's health to 15. Meanwhile, Sacrificial Pact, a card that destroys a targeted Demon, could instantly eliminate Lord Jaraxxus, ending the game for the player who had played it.
⚫︎ The legendary neutral minion Elite Tauren Chieftain grants the player a choice between three cards, each named after a song performed by its real-life band counterpart. As of now, these cards are Power of the Horde, I Am Murloc, and Rogues Do It (From Behind).
⚫︎ Due to how the two effects interact, Frozen minions can attack after being Silenced.
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